Why Train With Us?

In 1965, representatives of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18, The Ohio General Contractors Association (OCA) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) formed a committee to establish the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Fund. Members of this committee, called Trustees, equally represent the contractors associations and Local 18. The committee oversees all of the actions of the apprenticeship program, hires the administrative manager, and approves the annual budget. Serving over 15,000 members of Local 18 at four regional training centers throughout the state, we are one of the largest training programs in the International Union of Operating Engineers. With over 150,000 training hours last year, our training program is recognized by others as one of the most successful programs in the country. The staff of the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship consists of highly skilled, self-motivated Operating Engineers who bring a sincere dedication to their work. Our instructors are well versed in all types of construction work and on a wide variety of machines. These instructors are able to rely on their many years if experience to help fledgling apprentice operators as well as experienced journeypersons in improving their skills. Their genuine concern for the skill progress of all who train, the pride they display in the Operating Engineers trade and Local 18, and their willingness to make a difference is readily evident.

You will notice below, each of our classes and a brief description.

Once you find a class that interests you, please visit the Locations Tab located at the top of the page,

or at the bottom of the page, and select the training site of your choice. Each Training Site has their

own calendar of classes, found at the bottom of their page. You can locate the date of the next available class

of your choice, and then contact that training site and sign up!

Class List

Advanced Pipeline Dozer

Class Description

This class is three weeks long. We will typically meet Monday – Saturday for 10 hours each day. Maximum of 8 Students for the class. This is an advanced bulldozing class with emphasis on winching. This course will prepare you for working in the pipeline industry. The following subjects will be covered briefly:

All the various applications of a bulldozer throughout the many different stages of construction.

Pipeline terminology and vocabulary.

Safety.

Articulated Boom Crane

Class Description

Knuckleboom or Articulated Boom Crane arms are much lighter than boom truck cranes, and they are designed to allow for more payloads to be carried on the back of the truck that it is mounted on. This class will be 40 hours with 3 days of classroom and 2 days of hands-on. Come dressed for the weather!

Milling Class (Asphalt)

Class Description

The Asphalt Milling Class will teach the operational basics, covering set-up and maintenance as well as the proper methods of operating the machine. This class will also include support equipment associated with milling operations, such as broom and skid-steer. The class will provide the proper techniques to help our students perform the job completely and safely.

Asphalt Paving

Class Description

The Asphalt class teaches the proper method of operating an asphalt paver and the use of a variety of screed automation used in grades and slopes. This class provides a working knowledge of the hot-mix asphalt-paving industry through the hands-on operation of equipment. Students will learn the proper techniques on how to do the job completely and safely. Sand is used in the paving process to simulate asphalt; the sand can be picked up with a wheel loader and reused.

BROKK Introduction

Class Description

The Brokk is designed for high performance demolition. The compact profile allows access to confined spaces and places that are too small or too difficult or dangerous for other machines. Brokk machines have remote control operation, which eliminates harmful vibrations and enables the operator to have a perfect view, which makes the worksite safer and the operator more productive. A Brokk machine makes demolition faster and easier in many ways:

it allows for quieter, more controlled demonlition

it is perfect complement to time-consuming and expensive drilling and cutting

it requires less time and fewer people than handheld tools

it doesn’t require water like other common methods of demonlition

it out performs an excavtor in demolition

it is lightweight and compact for easy transport

CCO Practicals

Class Information

CCO Practicals

Once an applicant has successfully passed the CCO written exams, they are required to pass the practical exams for the desired crane type to complete their CCO certification. Mobile Crane practical exams are offered by personal arrangement at all four regional training centers. It is strongly recommended that prior to the practical exam date, applicants attend the training center to practice and familiarize themselves with the tests and the cranes they will be operating. Applicants will not be allowed to practice the tests on the day of testing. All mobile crane practical exams should be taken on the same day. Tower Crane practical exams are only offered at the Richfield Training Center. Overhead Crane practical exams are offered at the Cygnet, Miamisburg and Richfield Training Centers. Applicants must provide proof of successfully passing the CCO written exam for all corresponding practical exams. Applicants must pay for their exams at the time of the practical exam.

CCO Refreshers

Class Information

CCO Refreshers

Prior to written exam test dates, a 16-hour Refresher class is offered for mobile crane certifications. This two-day, very intensive class is only offered to members who are registered to take the CCO written exams. The fact that this class is termed a “refresher” implies that students already have had some training and experience necessary to pass the written exams. Because of the comprehensive nature of the CCO written exams, not all subjects will be covered in depth. People who need more training are encouraged to take the 40-hour Crane I class.

CDL Training

Training Information

CDL training for both class “A” and “B” licenses is available by arrangement only, at all the regional training centers. Students will receive individual training based on their previous experience. Practical training includes walk-around pre-trip inspections and using training-center trucks for maneuverability tasks and over-the-road practice. Trucks for both class “A” and “B” may be available for applicant testing. Members who successfully complete the testing will be reimbursed for the expense of the license.

Crane I

Class Information

Since 1990, the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Fund has led the nation in providing its mobile-crane operators with the highest-quality, state-of-the art training. This intensive 40-hour class has built-in flexibility, allowing it to be used for both inexperienced and experienced crane operators; it is highly recommended as preparation for taking the CCO written exams. This class is also required classroom training for all 3rd-year apprentices.

Crane II

Class Information

The 40-hour Crane I class is a prerequisite for this class. Limited to a maximum of 10 students, this class offers Operating Engineers the opportunity for structured, hands-on field training. This class affords students the opportunity to improve their crane-operating skills by reinforcing classroom-taught concepts with practical training. Minimum of 5 individuals needed to hold class with a maximum of 10.

Crane Rigging

Class Information

This class is designed to enhance an Operating Engineer’s basic rigging skills; it requires strong basic math skills. This intensive class includes hands-on rigging exercises, and inspections of wire rope and rigging hardware. Students will find this course to be challenging and should not sign up without at least a basic understanding of rigging principles, wire rope, and rigging hardware inspection. Minimum of 5 individuals needed to host this class.

Directional Drilling

Class Information

Directional drilling is a class that teaches state-of-the-art technology in underground installation of utilities. The operator learns the proper and safe methods of operating the directional drilling machine in the classroom followed by hands-on training in the field. The hands-on opportunities will include the techniques to successfully make a bore, which includes machine set-up, boring and reaming. Class size is kept small to maximize operator practical training.

Angle Dozer Pipeline

The Angle Dozer Class is Not Being Offered for the 2016-2017 Academic Year at Local 18. This class is three weeks long. Typically this class meets Monday – Saturday for 10 hours each day. Maximum of 8 Students for the class. This course will prepare you for working in the pipeline industry. The following subjects will be covered:

All the various applications of a dozer throughout the many different stages of construction.

Angle blades; understanding the way soil needs to be moved using the long and short corners of the blade.

Pipeline termnology and vocabulary.

Safety.

First Aid/ CPR/ AED

Class Description

Emergencies happen when you least expect them. It pays to be prepared. This course will help prepare and train our members to overcome any reluctance to act in an emergency situation. This course is the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program which will provide our members with the knowledge and skills necessary to help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until advanced medical help arrives. The content and activities will help participates identify and eliminate potentially hazardous conditions, recognize emergencies and make appropriate decisions for first aid care. Minimum of 6 individuals needed to hold this class with a maximum of 14. Note: Certification for First Aid/CPR/AED is for 2 years for each component.

Forklift Training

Class Description

Since January 1999, all forklift operators must be trained and tested according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 and ANSI B56.1. This class is offered to allow operators to complete both forklift classroom training sessions in one day. This class consists of 4 hours of classroom instruction for industrial forklifts and 4 hours classroom instruction for rough-terrain forklifts. Written exams will follow each class. Upon successfully completing these classes, the operator must schedule a time at the training center to practice and take the practical tests, thus completing the certifications. Minimum of 5 individuals needed to hold this class. NOTE: Operators must refresh their forklift certification every 3 years. Recertification consists of attending the classroom session and successfully passing the written exams.

GPS Grade Control

Class Description

This class is designed for Operating Engineers who have experience performing finish work with manually controlled machines. The class uses Trimble’s Machine Control Systems on graders, bulldozers and excavators. The class will also delve into using Global Positioning Systems and Automated Total Station Controls. Minimum of 4 individuals needed to hold this class.

Grader

Class Description

The purpose of this class is to help members gain skills and experience in grader operation. This class utilizes classroom and hands-on training; it provides exercises in how to cut slopes, parking lots, ditches, build haul roads, and various types of fine grading using manual controls. Minimum of 3 individuals needed to hold this class.

HAZWOPER

Class Description

HAZWOPER (HAZardous Waste OPerations and Emergency Response) is a 40-hour comprehensive hazardous-materials training program, which focuses on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course meets the training requirements of the US Department of Labor for hazardous-material operations. Participants receive in-depth classroom and hands-on instruction in recognition and control of the risk associated with hazardous materials. The health and safety of Local 18 operators is a top priority of the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Program. Minimum of 5 individuals needed to hold this class.

Hazwoper Refresher

Class Description

Every Operating Engineer who has taken the 40-hour Hazmat class must attend an ANNUAL 8-hour refresher class. These classes are a brief overview of the topics covered in the 40-hour class and an examination of any new regulations that may be pertinent. Minimum of 5 individuals needed to hold this class.

ICRA

Class Description

ICRA- Infectious Control Risk Assessment

Working on healthcare facility property in many areas now requires ICRA training. This 8 hour class is a health and safety information class that will help our members stay safe and healthy at these care facilities.

John Henry Rock Drilling

This Course is Not being offered during the 2016-2017 Academic Year at Local 18

Class Description

This class is one week long. Monday through Saturday, 10 hours each day. This course is offered at the Logan Training Site by IUOE. It will prepare you for drilling operations in the pipeline industry. The following subjects will be covered:

All the various applications of a John Henry throughout the many different stages of construction.

How to perform machine setup, how to drill through rock, how to drill through over burden, how to “double-Steel” and maintenance.

Pipeline terminology and vocabulary.

Safety

Labor History

Class Description

This 8-hour class, offered by Local 18, traces the history of the trade-union movement in North America through legislation. During this class, major labor laws will by explained and interpreted in our contemporary situation. Recent events and their impact on our union will be examined. In addition, the history of the International Union of Operating Engineers will be recounted. This class will be held at each of the Union Halls.

Load Securement

Class Description

You can hide a multitude of sins inside a van trailer, but with an open deck trailer, any indiscretions are out in the open for all to see, including DOT roadside inspectors. Staying compliant means having an excellent understanding of the regulations as well as cargo securement equipment that is up to the task. The biggest issues related specifically to drivers calculating the weight of the cargo plus any length requirements that might exist when determining the correct number of tie-downs required. This class will cover the regulations and the proper methods of securing a load.

Pile Driving

Class Description

This 40-hour class is designed to provide lattice boom, friction-type crane operators with the fundamentals required to drive piling. A diesel hammer, air hammer and vibratory hammer will be used for instruction. “H” pile and sheeting pile will be driven and extracted. There will be some classroom instruction on terms, theory and regulations. Due to the inherent dangers of pile driving, those interested will be required to pass a simple practical pre-test on a lattice boom, friction-type crane.

MSHA

Class Description

The Mine and Safety Administration (MSHA) requires operators who work at mines, quarries, or sand and gravel pits to receive 24 hours of training. This mandatory class covers all topics specified by MSHA. Eight hours of this class will include our First Aid/CPR/AED training. Minimum of 5 individuals needed to host this class.

OSHA 10/ STP

Class Description

This 16-hour course will establish a basic standard of safety awareness training for the construction worker. It is designed to provide a required level of training for hazardous conditions prior to arriving at a work site. STP (Safety Training Passport) encompasses basic hazard awareness training in 13 areas of safety and health. Each student will receive a 16 hr. STP card and a 10 hr. OSHA Qualification. Minimum of 6 individuals needed to host this class.

Effective May 1, 2011 and thereafter, all Operating Engineers dispatched to and/or employed on a project are required to have successfully completed the 16-Hour Safety Training Passport (STP) Program or an OSHA-approved 10-hour construction safety training program. Comparable safety training shall be renewed and updated every (5) years or the Operating Engineer shall be considered unqualified.

MSHA Refresher

Class Description

Every MSHA-trained Operating Engineer–who has taken the 24-hour class–must attend an annual 8-hour refresher class. These classes are a brief overview of the topics covered in the 24-hour class and an examination of any new regulations that may be pertinent.

OSHA 30/ STP

Class Description

The 30-Hour OSHA Outreach course is intended to provide training in a variety of subjects for workers with safety responsibility on the jobsite. The course is designed to give in depth instruction in hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention. The OSHA standards that directly affect the worksite will be discussed with a special emphasis on the OSHA Focus Four Hazards in construction. This course will be taught in four days per OSHA requirements. Attendees of this class will also receive the 16 hour Safety Training Passport Card.

NCCCO Exams

Class Description

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators is an independent not-for-profit corporation formed in 1995 to establish and administer a nationwide program of certification for crane operators (CCO). The purpose of the CCO is to set standards for measuring the knowledge of crane operators and is designed by CCO to be a voluntary program. However, because of the 2000 agreement between OSHA and CCO, the increasing number of states requiring CCO certification for licensing, and the increasing frequency with which companies require CCO certification, it is strongly recommended that all Local 18 crane operators should prepare for and obtain CCO certification. In order to be certified by CCO, operators are required to demonstrate appropriate skills and knowledge necessary for safe crane operation. Certifications available include Mobile Crane (small hydraulic, large hydraulic, lattice boom truck, and lattice boom crawler), Tower Crane and Overhead Crane. Written Exams: These tests have been accredited by nationally recognized institutions. Written exams for all certifications are offered at all Training Centers several times a year and must be paid for in advance. It is strongly suggested that Tower Crane applicants attend the 40-hour Tower Crane class offered only at the Richfield Training Center. Study materials for the Tower Crane and Overhead Crane written exams must be followed by the practical exam within 12 months or the written exam expires and must be retaken. Reimbursement Policy: Registered Local 18 Operating Engineers will be reimbursed by the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Fund after they have successfully completed the entire certification process. (No testing fees go to the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Fund or IUOE Local 18).

International Pipeline Classes

Class Description

Pipeline construction continues at historic levels and there are still many available jobs for qualified pipeline workers. We remain committed to training so our members can develop the necessary skills to obtain these jobs. All participants attending the pipeline course must have basic operating skills on either dozers, excavators, or cranes. You will receive training on either dozers, excavators, or sidebooms. Additional training may be provided for a variety of other types of equipment if such equipment is available. Pipeline training will be typically held for three consecutive 60 hour weeks. Operators will be given classroom training and hands-on training each day. All participants will have ample opportunity to operate and practice on the pipeline equipment under the supervision of instructors. The class size will be limited to two members per machine. To register for this class you must contact your Union District Representative.

Pipeline Distribution Maintenance

Class Description

This 40 hour class is intended to allow members to develop specific skills necessary for employmentin the gas distribution field. Hands-on instruction will concentrate on the development of the skills necessary to operate equipment on a simulated distribution job. The equipment used will include backhoe, horizontal drill, trencher, mini-excavator, hydraulic sideboom and small angle dozer. This class consistsof 70% hands-on and 30% classroom instruction. Members must be familiar with a combination of backhoe, trencher, horizontal directional drill and excavator.

Plan Reading

Class Description

If you possess good math skills and have a fundamental understanding of grade-checking, then the Plan Reading course is for you. This course introduces the student to a set of actual highway plans. For those that have not had the opportunity to read plans, this class allows the student to easily learn plan-reading in a structured, step-by-step process. By the conclusion of this class, the student will be able to interpret a set of road plans and be able to stake the job from those plans.

Safeland/ Safegulf

Class Description

PEC basic was designed to take the place of multiple Operator orientations and to give each student a general idea of life and safety issues in the oil and gas industry, upstream, downstream, onshore or offshore. This one-day program meets API RP 75 & API RP T-1 requirements and provides a basic understanding at an awareness level of certain general safety information that an employee should know before entering a company facility and while performing their assigned work duties. Over 25 of the leading oil and gas operators accept this orientation as it meets their requirements. Upon successful completion of course, each student is issued a picture ID with a unique barcode. The student information is then stored in an online database. This orientation has become the standard program for the industry and certifies a student at awareness level.

Signal Person

Class Description

This class is designed to prepare operators to meet the requirements of the newly enacted OSHA 1926, 1400 law. Section 1926.1428 (c) requires that each signal person must know and understand the type of signals used; be competent in the application of the type of signal used; have a basic understanding of equipment operation and limitations; know and understand the relevant requirements of OSHA 1926.1400; and demonstrate that he/she meets the requirements through an oral or written test, and through a practical test. Class size is limited to 15 individuals with a minimum of 6 to hold the class.

24 Hour Skidsteer

Class description

This 24-hour skid steer class focuses on the safe operation and proper operating techniques of skid steer loaders. The course utilizes classroom and hands-on training; it provides exercises on excavating, grading, material handling and proper work tool usage and procedures.

Skidsteer Refresher

Class Description

This class is designed for those members who already have taken the 24 hour Skid stter course, or those who possess journeyperson level skills. The class is a brief overview of the topics covered in the 24 hour course, and is completed with a final examination.

Steward Class

Class Description

District representative Joe Casto and Director of Organizing Scott Stevenson will conduct these Steward
Classes with input from Local 18’s Business Manager, Richard Dalton and/or President Tom Byers.
Students will be taught dispute resolution techniques along with the obligation of fair representation.
Contract interpretation and enforcement will be discussed and applied through various problem-solving
exercises. This class will be taught in the evening from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at each of the union halls.

Tier IV Emissions

Class Description

The new Selective Catalytic Reduction based emissions control systems have introduced new active warning and indicator systems on the dashboard of our equipment which is causing confusion, and highlighted the need for more attention to operator training. There have been instances of uninformed operators pressing buttons and lights on the dash simply because they came on, which then put the machine into override or manual mode, which could delay regeneration events or lower production of the machine. Therefore, we have an 8-hour class to explain the new Tier IV Emission Standards and procedures.

Tower Crane

Class Description

This class is designed to prepare operators by providing them with the basic information and skills to become Tower Crane Operators. The class focuses heavily on hands-on training. This introductory class is available to journeyperson operators who have completed the Crane I class in the last five years and must have prior mobile and/or tower crane operating experience. NOTE: All participates must have sufficient strength and agility to perform a 100′ vertical climb several times a day, and must not have a fear of heights. You must visit your Training Center and utilize their Tower Crane Simulator to learn the tower crane controls. To register for this class you must contact your Union District Representative. This class will be taught in four ten hour days with a maximum of five individuals per class.

Trench Safety

Class Description

This class is designed for Operating Engineers who are called out to work around trenches and excavations. The course will cover the OSHA Excavation Standards and the role of the competent person. Hands-on instruction will include proper trenching techniques, correct use of quick-coupling attachments, assembly and installation of protective systems, and laying pipe. Minimum of 5 people needed to hold class.

Vac-U-Worx

Class Description

This class is one week long; five days total, 8 hours each day. The day will start with 2 hours of classroom instruction followed by 6 hours of field training. Maximum of five students. Classes are intended for experienced excavator operators. A proficiency test will be given at the beginning of the course to verify your abilities. This class will introduce you to the Vacuum pipe lifter and the basic operation and maintenance. During this class you will learn how to load and unload pipe trucks, rack pipe for a pipe yard, and stripping pipe on a pipeline right-of-way. Pipeline terminology, vocabulary and safety are also important part of this class.

Utility Operator

Class Description

Students learn the proper and safe methods of operating and maintaining equipment used on every jobsite such as:

Small engines

Air Compressors

Generators

Light Plants

Pumps

Chain Saws

Welders

Concrete Saws

This is a five day class offered to both apprentices and journeypersons and will include classroom instruction and hands-on exercises.

Virtual Training

Description

Recognizing that learning the controls of a new machine is always the first step towards mastery of that machine, the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship & Training Fund has designed and produced in-house its own computer simulators. Built with “real” seats and controllers, the simulators use state-of-the-art software developed in Montreal, Canada. The training program offers introductory level training on mobile cranes, tower cranes, excavators, bulldozers, rubber tire loaders as well as the M-Series grader from Caterpillar. Mobile crane controls can be configured for any hydraulically operated crane with up to four levers so that even experienced crane operators can get “seat time” with controls they are unfamiliar with. The tower crane module was developed with the help of Liebherr, Int’l. and simulates the controls of the tower crane at the Richfield Training Center. Its use is recommended prior to attending the 40 hr. Tower Crane class. The excavator software was developed in conjunction with Caterpillar’s Equipment Training Solutions Group and can be configured with Cat or John Deere controls. All of these programs have many, many exercises designed with increasing difficulty as the student progresses through the training modules.

Welding

Class Description

This class is an introduction to safe oxy-acetylene cutting, arc welding and plasma-arc cutting. Designed for the novice, this class teaches the procedures used in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment.